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USING THIS GUIDE How to Use this Guide 4-5 A Boy Scout Troop’s Journey to Excellence 6 4 Steps to Your Ideal Year of Scouting 7

PLANNING YOUR PROGRAM Introduction to Planning Your Program 8 Troop Program Planning Conference 9 Troop Program Planning Conference Agenda 10-11 The Patrol Method / Patrol Leaders’ Council 12-13 Advancement and Service 14-15 Camping and High Adventure 16-19

FUNDING YOUR PROGRAM Troop Fundraising 20 Troop Budget Plan 21

GROWING YOUR PROGRAM Troop Open House 22 Communicating Your Plan / Webelos to Scout Transition 23

TRAINING YOUR LEADERS Leader Training 24 Training Resources 25

PROGRAM RESOURCESProgram Resources / Activities 26

This Guide and other JTE resources can be found online at:

www.michiganscouting.org/JTEGuide

MICHIGAN CROSSROADS COUNCIL BOY SCOUTJOURNEY TO EXCELLENCE GUIDEBOOK

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Scout Shop Locations

Lansing Scout Shop137 S. Marketplace Blvd.

Lansing, MI 48917

Michigan Crossroads Scout Shop507 W. Atherton Rd.

Flint, Michigan 48507P (810) 237-6461

Toyota National Scout Shop1776 W. Warren Ave

Detroit, Michigan 48917P 313-898-8920

Troy National Scout Shop1155 E. Long Lake RdTroy, Michigan 48085

P (248) 526-0169

Gerald R. Ford Scout Shop3213 Walker Ave NW

Grand Rapids, Michigan 49544P (616) 647-0207

Traverse City Scout Shop1499 Business Park Dr.

Traverse City, Michigan 49686P (231) 932-1142

Port Huron Scout Shop924 7th St.

Port Huron, Michigan 48060P (810) 987-2670

Lake Huron National Scout Shop5001 Eleven Mile Rd.

Auburn, Michigan 48611P (989) 662-0242

Ann Arbor National Scout Shop3914 Besetch Dr.

Ypsilanti, Michigan 48197P (734) 971-7100

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The units that plan, promote and execute their Perfect Year in Scouting plan, offer unparalleled experiences for more youth and are recognized in the Journey to Excellence program.

How would you like: • A stronger program for your boys at less personal cost to you?

• More parental involvement?

• More boys camping?

• Better retention?

• More funding with less time spent fundraising?

• To eliminate out-of-pocket expenses for your parents?

• Enough money to do all of your activities?

• Scouting to be simpler, easier and more fun?

You can provide a year-round, quality Scouting program by following the steps in this guide. Provide unparalleled experiences for more Scouts and earn the Journey to Excellence Award along the way.

Journey to Excellence Recognition ProgramThe Journey to Excellence (JTE) is the tool we’ve adopted to measure the quality of the Scouting program in our council. A unit that plans their Ideal Year of Scouting, based on goals and standards set forth in the Journey to Excellence, can be confident they’re delivering a quality program, supported by a healthy unit with trained leaders.

How to Stay on the Journey to Excellence Path We all need to understand that Journey to Excellence makes Scouting stronger.

• Every time we are working on a Scouting project, activity, meeting, etc. we need to think back about how it relates to the JTE.

• This is important. We want you on board and we want you to be dedicated to the journey as much as we are. You are an essential part of the council and can help us have the strongest Scouting program ever!

Achievement of anything starts with a vision.

Use the criteria for the Journey to Excellence Award as your vision. There is separate criteria for Cub Scout Packs and Boy Scout Troops and we’ve provided resources for each.

This guide and our Journey to Excellence website will provide you with the tools needed to plan your ideal year. This guide, as well as additional online resources, are available at www.michiganscouting.org/JTEGuide

During the spring of 2015, work through this book to set your goals and make your plans. By July of 2015, you should have a clear picture of the program you will offer from August 2015 through the summer of 2016.

The 4 Steps to your Journey of Excellence: 1. Plan: Work your way through this guide and map out the advancements, activities,

camping, and training you’ll need.

2. Fund: Determine the expenses from all the activities, advancements, camping and training your unit wants to do, and then decide how much fundraising your unit must do to cover those expenses.

3. Grow: When you have a good plan, communicate it to your current and potential Scouts to engage more boys and their parents in the Scouting program to help make it all happen.

4. Train: Plan to promote trainings to your current and new leaders; every Scout deserves a trained leader.

Why use this guide? How to use this guide

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2015 Troop Performance Recognition Program (JTE) Programs

Planning Your ProgramStart with the next few pages and follow the steps. a. Use the Troop Program Features (Vol. I, II, III) to make planning easier b. Determine what advancements each Scout will need for their next rank c. Decide what activities the Scouts will do d. Decide what camping opportunities to participate in e. Plan to do at least one service project for your charter partner or

community f. Plan the meeting dates g. Recognize those Scouts who advance

Visit our calendar at www.michiganscouting.org

Funding Your Program

Review pages 20 - 21 to work through the following steps. Complete the budget planning worksheet to find the total cost of your program and how to fund it. a. Determine expenses b. Determine income c. Determine fundraising needed to cover expenses

Growing Your ProgramReview pages 22 through 23 for tips and resources for recruiting a. Set a goal and plan to recruit new members from Cub Scout packs b. Utilize peer-to-peer recruitment and have Scouts bring their non-Scout friends to meetings and activities. c. Recruit new parents and communicate your plan to Scout families

Training Your LeadersEvery Scout deserves a trained leader. On pages 24 through 25 you’ll find: a. What it means to be a trained leader b. Information on basic leader training (the bare minimum) c. Information on supplemental training d. Information on district roundtables

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How to Plan and Schedule your Troop’s Advancements, Activities and Meetings There are many helpful tools to assist you with planning. The following pages include excerpts from Troop Program Features Volumes I - III. You can download these plans for free at www.scouting.org and click on ScoutSource, then Boy Scouts.

The following pages also include resources on everything from helping you build a patrol leaders’ council to planning what activities your troop will do to achieve your perfect year of Scouting.

You can download these plans for FREE at: www.michiganscouting.org/JTEGuide

Troop Program Planning ConferenceEach Patrol should elect a patrol leader to serve on the patrol leaders’ council. Once your patrol leaders’ council is formed, the troop should hold a program planning conference. This conference should serve as the starting point for creating your annual program plan. While drafting your annual program plan, it’s important not to get stuck on what you have “always” done, but what you would “like to do.” Steps in annual program planning include...

Brainstorming: Brainstorm ideas of things you would like to do as a troop. Include a wide range of activities from campouts to service projects. At this point, everything goes on the board - no evaluation happens at this point.

Evaluation: The troop committee evaluates each suggestion and goes back to the Troop with the “approved list.” Have youth vote on their 1st, 2nd, and 3rd choices.

Draft the Plan: Put together a draft of your annual program calendar. Assign potential activities for further research (cost, times, availability, etc.). Then finalize your plan including a budget (page 21) and share with youth and troop families.

Be sure to view the Michigan Crossroads Council calendar online at: www.michiganscouting.org

Boy ScoutsThe success of this conference begins when you, the Scoutmaster, prepare your senior patrol leader. Be alert throughout the conference to help out the senior patrol leader. Don’t wait for him to fail, but be careful not to take over for him. Careful, non-intrusive coaching will help your senior patrol leader build confidence. Share your leadership with them.

Who attends the conference?The troop’s annual planning conference is attended by the Scoutmaster, assistant Scoutmaster for the “new-Scout patrol,” senior patrol leader, assistant senior patrol leader, patrol leaders, and troop guide.

Physical ArrangementsCareful planning should ensure that this planning conference is a first-class experience for your youth leaders. Pick a location that would be special to your Scouts, possibly one offering opportunities for other activities, such as swimming, boating, etc. You can make it a weekend experience, although the conference is easily completed in a day.

Whichever you do, don’t involve the youth leaders in a lot of housekeeping chores that distract them from the primary purpose of planning the troop program. Consider using other troop adults to cook and clean up; let your patrol leaders’ council concentrate on the task at hand. Make sure the facilities are suited for a conference. Is there sufficient lighting? Are the chairs comfortable? Are there tables to work on? Is there a way to hang calendars on the wall?

Setting up the conference facility should have been previously assigned to members of the patrol leaders’ council. A checkup by the senior patrol leader prior to the conference ensures that nothing is forgotten.

Follow the agenda (page 10). When directing a session, your senior patrol leader should be aware that it’s easy to get sidetracked. If the group starts to drift away from the agenda, a gentle nudge from you may be in order to put them back on course.

Remember the conference ground rules: 1. The senior patrol leader presides.

2. Each event and program is voted on.

3. The majority rules.

Troop Program Planning Conference

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Program Planning Conference Agenda

I. Opening Activity (SCOUTMASTER)Conduct All Aboard or other team-building activity. This helps foster a spirit of working together to solve a common problem.

II. Conference Ground Rules (SENIOR PATROL LEADER) A. Write down the conference objectives:

1. To decide on troop goals for the coming year.

2. To develop a program that represents ideas from the entire troop.

B. Review ground rules.

1. The senior patrol leader presides.

2. Each event and program will be voted on.

3. The majority rules.

III. Develop Troop Goals (SCOUTMASTER) A. The Scoutmaster leads a discussion on goals for the coming year. These could deal with such topics as

advancement, service, or troop money earning. (These are the same goals discussed earlier with the troop committee and senior patrol leader.)

B. The patrol leaders’ council votes to approve the goals.

IV. Consider Major Events (SENIOR PATROL LEADER) A. Review dates for items such as these:

1. Camporees

2. Summer camp

3. Special troop events

4. Good Turn

5. Patrol suggestions for special activities

B. Vote on events. (Delete from the calendar any activities the troop will not participate in.)

C. Insert events on the Troop Program Planning Chart.

D. Backdate necessary preparation time for each event.

V. Game Break

VI. Patrol Suggestions for Program Features A. Discuss the program features suggested for the coming year.

B. Will they meet the goals of the troop?

C. What are the advancement opportunities?

D. Decide where program features best fit into the calendar.

E. Vote on the final list of program features.

F. Insert the approved features into the Troop Program Planning Chart.

VII. Lunch or Game Break

VIII. Schedule Special Troop Activities A. Decide on a schedule for the following:

1. Board of review

2. Courts of honor

3. Recruitment night(s)

4. Webelos Scout graduation

B. Add these dates to the Troop Program Planning Chart.

IX. Finalize Program Planning Chart Put the Troop Program Planning Chart into final form for presentation to the

troop committee.

X. Game Break

XI. Monthly Program Planning Plan next month’s program.

XII. Scoutmaster’s Minute Troop Committee finalizes plan and shares with youth and troop families.

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The Patrol Method The Patrol Leaders’ Council

“The more responsibility the Scoutmaster gives his patrol leaders, the more they will respond.” – Robert Baden-Powell

The patrol leaders are elected by their patrols to represent them at the patrol leaders’ council (PLC) meetings. A patrol leader, is a member of the patrol leaders’ council, and serves as the voice of their patrol members.

The members of each patrol elect one of their own to serve as patrol leader. The troop determines the requirements for patrol leaders, such as rank and age. To give more youth the opportunity to lead, most troops elect patrol leaders twice a year. Some may have elections more often.

Through the patrol leaders’ council, patrols share the responsibility for the patrol’s success. They gain confidence by serving in positions of leadership. Each patrol is always represented at each monthly PLC meeting. If the patrol leader is not able to attend, the assistant patrol leader or another Scout from the patrol will attend the PLC. The patrol leaders present the ideas and concerns of their patrols and in turn share the decisions of the patrol leaders’ council with their patrol members.

• Senior Patrol Leader Runs all troop meetings, events, activities, and the annual program planning conference; runs the

patrol leaders’ council meetings; appoints other troop junior leaders with the advice and counsel of the Scoutmaster; assigns duties and responsibilities to junior leaders; assists the assistant Scoutmaster with junior leader training.

• Assistant Senior Patrol Leader Helps the senior patrol leader with leading meetings; helps train and supervise the troop scribe,

quartermaster, instructor, librarian, historian, and chaplain’s aide; serves as a member of the patrol leaders’ council.

• Troop Guide Introduces new Scouts to troop operations; encourages good behavior from all Scouts and resolves conflicts;

helps new Scouts earn First Class rank in their first year; teaches basic Scout skills; coaches the patrol leader of the new Scout patrol on his duties; assists the assistant Scoutmaster with training; counsels individual Scouts on Scouting challenge.

• Patrol Leader Plan and lead patrol meetings and activities; keep patrol members informed; assign each patrol member a

specific duty; represent his patrol at all patrol leaders’ council meetings and the annual program planning conference; prepare the patrol to participate in all troop activities; work with other troop leaders to make the troop run well; know the abilities of each patrol member.

• Scribe Attends and keeps a log of patrol leaders’ council meetings; records individual Scout attendance and

dues payments; records individual Scout advancement progress; works with the troop committee member responsible for records and finance.

* The PLC is guided by the Scoutmaster and has direct support by key troop committee members to ensure the unit has monthly boards of review and quarterly courts of honor.

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Advancement Tracking and Recognition

Journey to Excellence Service HoursThe Journey to Excellence program includes objectives for Boy Scout troops to help increase and encourage service in their community.

Service ProjectsObjective: The troop participates in service projects, with one benefiting your chartering organization. The projects and hours are entered on the Journey to Excellence website.

• Bronze: Participate in three service projects, with at least one benefiting the chartered organization.

• Silver: Participate in four service projects and enter the hours on the JTE website.

• Gold: Participate in five service projects and enter the hours on the JTE website.

Recording Your Service HoursYou can now enter your Troop’s service hours at www.scouting.org/jte.

• Look for the “service project” area of the screen. There you’ll find the link to log your hours, information for first time users and tips for a successful service project.

• To enter your service hours click on “service hours website” link.

• Choose “New User Click Here” or enter in your existing username and password.

If you have any questions, please check with your District Executive.

Have a MyScouting account? You can also reach the Journey to Excellence service hour website by clicking on the Journey to Excellence Information link on the left side of the screen in the “council tools” section. Once you click the link you will be directed to www.scouting.org/jte and can follow the same procedures as listed above.

Council/District Community Service ProjectsThe Michigan Crossroads Council and districts regularly schedule coordinated community service projects. Projects range from park clean-ups to food drives. All service hours completed during these projects count towards your unit’s Journey to Excellence goal. To locate a specific service project in your area, contact your District Activities Chairman or visit www.michiganscouting.org

Other Community Service Project Ideas • Place American flags on grave sites for Memorial Day • Assist agencies that provide food to those in need • Participate in caroling at a nursing home • Participate in the BSA’s Adopt a School program • Adopt a park • Send cards to servicemen and women • Plant trees

Service Projects

Additional Program Resources & Activities Turn to page 26 for featured Scouting activities for the whole family.

Be sure to check out the BSA’s STEM / NOVA program at www.scouting.org/stem/AboutSTEM.aspx

It’s important to regularly recognize achievements and advancement for Boy Scouts. This is what keeps boys in Scouting.

Monthly submission of earned achievements is vital. As boys start working on various ranks, especially the Eagle rank, it is vital for the Scout’s BSA record to be up-to-date, so the processing of his rank paperwork can occur in a timely manner.

Monthly courts of honor are encouraged, however most troops hold them quarterly. Your winter court of honor is a great time to hold an Investment in Character presentation. The unit benefits from the funds raised at the council level, and everyone in the unit should be given the opportunity to give to the campaign.

Utilize the Troop Advancement Tracking worksheets at:www.michiganscouting.org/JTEGuide to get started.

TROOP PLANNING WORKSHEET

Download at www.michiganscouting.org/JTEGuide

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Choose Your Own Outdoor AdventureWhether you’re searching for fun, learning, advancing or adventure, the Heart of America Council has an outdoor opportunity for all Scouts. Choose your own outdoor adventure.

Camporees—Councils and districts plan camporees and other outings during the year that give Scouts an opportunity to test their knowledge and skills in competitive events with other troops and patrols.

Summer camp—Summer camp is what many Scouts enjoy most. Camp programs provide numerous opportunities for Scouts to earn merit badges along their advancement trail. Resident Scout camping includes at least five nights and six days of fun outdoor activities.

Unit high adventure—The highest level of challenge for a troop or team is to plan and carry out its own high-adventure experience. These activities for more experienced Scouts are planned and implemented by youth members with coaching from their adult leaders.

Weekend overnights—Troops that plan and carry out outings once a month attract and retain boys at a much higher level than those that have fewer outings during the year.To register or learn more visit www.michiganscouting.org

Council Boy Scout Camping Opportunities

Join the Camp StaffEach summer, hundreds of Scouts give back to our Scouting Reservations as members of the summer camp staff. Our summer camp staff is comprised of some of the best Scouts in the Michigan Crossroads Council.

For more information, including our Camp Staff College Scholarship Program, visit www.michiganscouting.org/camping.

CampershipsThe Michigan Crossroads Council believes that every Scout should have the opportunity to attend summer camp. Financial aid or CAMPERSHIPS are available to Scouts who qualify.

For more information, contact the Council Camping Department www.michiganscouting.org

The Values of Scout CampingBenefits Every Parent Should KnowWhen you picture summer camp you probably think of roasting marshmallows over a campfire, exploring nature on a hike or even splashing in a pool on a hot summer day. Sure, these are summer activities Scouts will experience, but camp provides more than just outdoor adventure.

Summer camp offers Scouts the opportunity to develop…• Strong Personal Values and Character• A Positive Sense of Self-Worth and Usefulness• Caring and Nurturing Relationships• A Desire to Learn• A Productive/Creative Use of Time• Social AdeptnessThe outdoor experience is one of the most important aspects of Boy Scouting we provide for our kids. Make sure your Scout does not miss out on the adventure of a lifetime.

For more information visit: www.michiganscouting.org/camping

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Nobody offers more exhilarating or a wider variety of high adventure for young people than the Boy Scouts of America. Through high adventure experiences, The Boy Scouts of America leaves lasting memories with youth and fosters development in character and leadership.

Challenge yourself at BSA’s High Adventure Bases. From the aquatic adventures of Florida Sea Base to the canoeing or winter camping challenge of Northern Tier, from the backpacking expeditions at Philmont Scout Ranch to the adventure sports programs at the Summit Bechtel Reserve, these experiences will shape you and teach you about yourself. Will you answer the call?

Florida Sea Base Located in the beautiful Florida Keys, the Florida Sea Base offers unparalleled aquatic

opportunities for long term and short term programs year round.

Northern Tier Explore and canoe millions of acres of pristine lakes, meandering rivers,

dense forests and wetlands in Northern Minnesota, Northwest Ontario and Northeast Manitoba.

Philmont Scout Ranch The Philmont Scout Ranch challenges Scouts with more than 214 square miles of rugged northern

New Mexico wilderness and includes backpacking treks and training opportunities.

Summit Bechtel Reserve Situated in the wilds of West Virginia, The Summit is the BSA’s newest High Adventure Base

and serves as an adventure sports center for youth and adults.

To learn more visit www.scouting.org/scoutsource/HighAdventure.aspx

High Adventure HIGH ADVENTURE

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Program Expenses Annual Cost per Scout/Unit

Number of Scouts / Adults

Total Unit Cost

Registration Fees # youth + # adults $24.00 $0.00

Charter Fee Yearly flat fee $40.00 $40.00

Boys’ Life Subscriptions one/household $12.00 $0.00

Advancement Ideally 100% of youth included in badges and ranks

$12.00 $0.00

Camping Trips Location

Camping Trip # 1 $0.00

Camping Trip # 2 $0.00

Camping Trip # 3 $0.00

Camping Trip # 4 $0.00

Camping Trip # 5 $0.00

Camping Trip # 6 $0.00

District Event(s)

Fall Camporee $0.00

Spring Camporee $0.00

Winter Klondike $0.00

Boy Scout Summer Camp $0.00

Leader Camp Fees $0.00

Special Activities $0.00

Field Trips $0.00

Leader Recognition Thank-yous, Veteran Awards, etc. $0.00

Adult Leader Training (LST, OLS) $0.00

Youth Leader Training SPL, PL $0.00

Troop equipment purchases (Tents, stoves, lanterns, etc.) $0.00

Troop equipment maintenance (Tents, stoves, lanterns, etc.) $0.00

Webelos Transition Recognition Items Handbook, Troop Neckerchief, etc $0.00

Total Budgeted Program Expenses $40.00

Income

Annual Dues Monthly amount 10-12 times $0.00

Surplus from prior year $0.00

Other Income Parent payment, etc. $0.00

Income Sub Total $0.00

Fundraising needed ($40.00)

Optional High Adventure Opportunities

Philmont, Sea Base, Jamboree, etc.

Troop sponsored events

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Troop Ideal Year of Scouting Budget PlannerFunding Your Program

Establish an annual plan and budget using the Ideal Year of Scouting worksheet found in the guide or on the website www.michiganscouting.org/popcorn/idealyearofscouting. Fundraising can pay for the entire program they want to do without any out-of-pocket expenses selling popcorn.

5 Steps for a Successful Popcorn Campaign 1. Establish an annual plan and budget using the Ideal Year of Scouting worksheet. With input from your Scouts, parents, and leaders you can use this guide to write your budget and stick to it.

2. Set a popcorn sale goal and break down to a per-Scout-goal based on your IYOS budget.

3. Put together an exciting incentive program for your unit along with Council prizes.

4. Conduct a FUN unit Popcorn Kick-off to communicate the goals to families.

5. Utilize all sales methods available to your to make sure your Scouts hit their goals.

•Take orders

•Show & Sell the products

•On-line sales.

•Show & Deliver the products

•Parents selling at work help their Scouts hit their goal

•Store front sales. Talk to your local businesses to see if you can sell there

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Share the Scouting Story - The Troop Open HouseThe benefits of Scouting should be offered to every young man. The Boy Scout Troop Open House allows a troop to open its doors to prospective youth. It provides a forum to show off Scouting activities and the troop’s accomplishments.

Hosting a Troop Open House is a five-step process that has been proven in troops throughout the nation. Each of the following steps is vital to the event’s success:

1. Present a school rally to fifth and sixth-graders. Have them complete the High Adventure Survey.

2. Email or mail the parents of interested youth a personal invitation to the Troop Open House.

3. Follow the invitation with a telephone call to the parents.

4. Host the Troop Open House for youth and their parents.

5. Organize a troop or district activity to involve new Scouts right away.

When thinking of different recruitment ideas for your unit, create a unit information sheet to include meeting dates, times, and locations; a troop calendar; a list of leaders’ contact information; other information about events and activities.

Go to www.michiganscouting.org/JTEGuide for Troop Open House resources including High Adventure Surveys, New Parent Surveys, and more.

The Troop’s Role in School Night for ScoutingSchool Night for Scouting is the council’s annual fall recruitment drive. A “School Night” or “Join Scouting Night” will be held at every elementary school within the Michigan Crossroads Council.

Troops should contact their “feeder” pack to assist with School Night. Troops should also be in attendance at “School Night” to welcome Boy Scout age youth to the troop.

Growing Your Program

Communication is KeyOne of the key components of planing your Perfect Year of Scouting is to communicate your plan. As you plan, you should be sharing your plans with your current families and encouraging Scouts to invite their friends to join.

Introduce your plan to new and current Scouting families at an annual Parent Orientation Meeting / Program Kick-off in an effort to...

• Welcome new members into your Scouting unit.

• Communicate your yearly budget.

• Assign “non-leader” parents to help with 2-3 activities throughout the year.

• Kick-off your annual fundraising event and include per-boy goals.

Steps to a Successful Webelos to Scout TransitionTroop Responsibilities • Select Scouts to serve as den chiefs for each Webelos/Cub Scout Den.

• Serve as a resource to packs for overnight activities.

• Conduct an orientation with Scouts as they become Boy Scouts.

• Webelos/troop campouts should show Webelos Scouts and their parents what to expect.

• Arrange for Webelos dens to visit a troop meeting.

• Provide each Webelos Scout a copy of the troop’s activities for the upcoming year.

• Work with Webelos den leaders to encourage Scouts to plan to move into the troop.

• Cross over youth in November/December and have them recharter with the troop.

• Work with the Cubmaster in planning a meaningful crossover ceremony at the pack’s blue and gold banquet.

• Coordinate the ceremony and arrange for each Webelos Scout to receive:

• A troop neckerchief

• Boy Scout Handbook

• Arrow of Light Award

• Members of the OA/Mic-O-Say may assist in the ceremony.

• Cross over youth in November/December and have them recharter with the troop.

Go to www.michiganscouting.org/JTEGuide for more Webelos to Scout Transition resources.

Communicating Your Plan

Other Training Resources

• Youth Protection – every two years• National Camping School – good for five camping seasons• Safe Swim Defense – every two years• Paddle Craft Safety – every three years• Aquatics Supervision/Swimming and Water Rescue –

every three years• BSA Lifeguard – every three years• Visitation training – every two years• Lead Climbing Instructor – every two years• Climbing Instructor – every two years

• COPE/Climbing Inspector – every two years

• Safety Afloat – every two years• Chain Saw Safety – every two years• Trainer’s EDGE – every three years• Hazardous Weather – every two years• Physical Wellness – every two years• Climb On Safely – every two years• Trek Safely – every two years

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Every Scout Deserves a Trained LeaderTraining is an important part of learning to become an effective leader. The important Scouting position you hold will be easier and more effective once you develop the skills necessary to deliver a quality Scouting program. To remain current with training, all adult volunteers are required to take Youth Protection Training every two years.

Registered Leader Training Initiative for the Next CenturyIn order to ensure that all youth in our council receive the best Scouting program possible, the Board of Directors of the Michigan Crossroads Council considers it imperative that all registered leaders become familiar with the Scouting program, how it works at the different levels, and how to properly implement the program. All of this is accomplished through leadership training and all leaders are required to be fully trained in their current Scouting position.

Visit www.michiganscouting.org/training for the list of required trainings for each Scouting position.

Youth Protection TrainingThe Boy Scouts of America, Michigan Crossroads Council places the greatest importance on creating the most secure environment possible for our youth members. All adult volunteers are required to take Youth Protection training to learn about the BSA’s Youth Protection policies, kinds of abuse, signs of abuse, and proper reporting procedures.

For more on youth protection in the Michigan Crossroads Council visit:www.michiganscouting.org/youth-protection

Take Youth Protection Training OnlineTake YPT online at www.MyScouting.org: 1. Log on to www. MyScouting.org and create an account 2. From the www. MyScouting.org portal, click on E-Learning and take the Youth Protection Training. 3. Upon completion, you may print a certificate of completion to submit with a volunteer application. 4. When your volunteer application is approved, you will receive a BSA membership card which includes your

member ID. 5. When you receive this membership card, log into MyScouting.org, and update your profile with your member ID

number. This will link your Youth Protection training records and all training records with your BSA membership.

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Supplemental & Advanced Training Supplemental and advanced training opportunities are designed to provide orientation to Scouting volunteers beyond the basic training courses. From Wood Badge to University of Scouting, supplemental courses are available to take your knowledge of Scouting to the next level.

Visit www.michiganscouting.org/supplemental-training for current training courses.

Other Training ResourcesBullyingThe values of Scouting make it clear that bullying cannot be tolerated. Scouting leaders have a unique opportunity to teach respect and acceptance of others. This training focuses on enabling adult leaders and parents to increase their awareness of the incidence and effects of bullying, to create an anti-bullying culture in their Scouting units, and to empower Scouts to assist those targeted by bullies wherever it occurs. Strategies for supporting the victims of bullying and for helping Scouts who bully others develop more appropriate social skills are presented as well.

Visit www.scouting.org/Training/Adult/Supplemental.aspx and scroll down to view the online PowerPoint and correlating training information document.

RoundtableRoundtables are a form of supplemental training for volunteers at all levels. The objective of roundtable is to provide volunteer leaders with program ideas; information on policy, events, and training opportunities; and an opportunity to share experiences and enjoy fun and fellowship with other leaders. The roundtable experience is meant to inspire, motivate, and enable unit leaders to provide a stronger program for their Scouting unit.

Roundtables are held in each district monthly (except July). Visit www.michiganscouting.org to find the roundtable information for your district.

FAQ - How Long is My Training Good For?

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Contact us

DeVos Family Center for Scouting3213 Walker Ave.Grand Rapids,MI 49644P: 616.785.0835 F: 616.785.0835

Traverse City Office1499 Business Park DriveTraverse City , MI 46686P: 231.947.7071 F: 231.947.7072www.michiganscouting.org/presidentford

Hours of Operation: 8:30 am - 5:00 pm (M-F)

Dauch Scout Center

1776 West Warren Ave.

Detroit, MI 48208-2215

P: 313.897.1965 F: 313.897.1970

Troy Scout Center

1155 East Long Lake Rd.

Troy, MI 48085

P: 248.526.0169

www.michiganscouting.org/greatlakes

Hours of Operation: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm (M-F)

Ann Arbor Scout Service Center 3914 Bestech Drive, Ypsilanti, MI 48197

Office:(734) 971-7100FAX: (734) 477-5622

Store: (734)477-5194

Calhoun County Service Center 1791 W. Columbia Ave., Battle Creek, MI 49015

Phone: (269) 962-8513Fax: (269) 963-3398

www.michiganscouting.org/southernshores

Auburn Service Center5001 11 Mile Road Auburn, MI 48611-8512

P: 989-662-4464 F: 989-662-4465Hours of Operation: 8:30 am - 5:00 pm (M-F)

Flint Service Center 507 W. Atherton Road, Flint, MI 48507

P: 810-235-2531 F: 810-235-5052Monday - Friday 8:30am - 5:00pm

Hours of Operation: 8:30 am - 5:00 pm (M-F)

Lansing Service Center137 S. Marketplace Blvd, Lansing, MI 48917

Port Huron Service Center924 7th Street, Port Huron, MI 48060

P: 810-982-9529 F: 810-982-3931 Hours of Operation: 8:30 am - 5:00 pm (M-F)

www.michiganscouting.org/waterand woods

Southern Shores FSC

President Ford FSC

Great Lakes FSC

Water and Woods FSC

Michigan Crossroads Council- HeadquartersLansing Service Center4000 W. Michigan AveLansing, Michigan 48917P (517) 321-9400www.michiganscouting.org